Plan Your Setup

Start by deciding how the biodigester will fit into your school or college. Think about where it connects most naturally—science classes, sustainability initiatives, gardening projects, or student programmes. The strongest implementations are those that become part of everyday activity rather than a one-off project.

Bring together key people early, such as teachers, facilities staff, and student leaders. Agree who will oversee the system, who will organise food waste collection, and how students will be involved. Clear roles make the project easier to manage and more sustainable over time.

Choose a suitable outdoor location with access to power and water. The system has a small footprint and should be easy for students to access and observe safely.

Finally, set up a simple food waste collection system. This could involve canteens, classrooms, or staff kitchens. Keeping it simple from the start helps ensure consistency.

Install and Launch

Work with the partner behind the idea to to install the MyGug unit. Installation is straightforward and can typically be completed within a few hours, but proper setup ensures safety and optimal performance.

Once installed, introduce the system to students and staff. Demonstrate how food waste is converted into energy and fertiliser, and explain why this matters for climate action. This helps build understanding and enthusiasm from the beginning.

Provide clear guidance on what can be added. Most food waste is suitable, but items like hard bones should be avoided.

Start with small amounts of food waste while everyone gets used to the process. This reduces the risk of issues and helps build confidence.

Run Daily Operations

Make student participation central to the project. Assign roles such as collecting food waste, feeding the system, or recording outputs. Rotating responsibilities ensures more students get involved and builds shared ownership.

Use the system as part of lessons and projects. Students can measure gas production, track waste levels, or explore the science behind anaerobic digestion. This turns everyday operation into meaningful learning.

Encourage collaboration across different groups or classes. For example, one group might manage the system while another analyses the data or uses the outputs in projects.

If issues arise, such as inconsistent feeding or unsuitable waste, use them as learning opportunities. Solving real problems helps deepen understanding and builds practical skills.

Use Outputs Creatively

The outputs of the system bring the whole process to life. Biogas can be used for cooking activities, while liquid fertiliser can support gardening or food-growing projects.

These activities help students see the full cycle—from food waste to energy to new food—making sustainability tangible. This is especially powerful in subjects like science and home economics.

Encourage students to document what they see and learn. They can present findings, track results, or create projects based on their experience.

Using the outputs regularly keeps the system relevant and reinforces its value across the school or college.

Reflect and Grow Impact

Take time to review how the system is working. Gather feedback from students and staff and identify ways to improve. Reflection helps keep the project active and meaningful.

Track simple metrics such as waste processed or student participation. This helps show impact and can support funding or expansion opportunities.

Share your work with the wider school community. This could include presentations, events, or showcasing projects. Many schools have used MyGug as part of competitions and sustainability initiatives.

Look for ways to grow the project over time—whether by involving more students, connecting it to more subjects, or linking with other schools.

Over time, the system becomes part of how your school approaches sustainability, not just a standalone initiative.